Game On Blog Tour Dates and Stops

I'm out and about today - taking a brief NaNo break to spend time with the family (the boys need toys and new trainers) - but I just wanted to quickly mention Kyra Lennon's Game On Blog Tour, which starts Monday.

As you might know, Game On is already available to buy from these places:

Amazon.com kindle version

Amazon.com paperback

Amazon UK kindle version

Amazon UK paperback
Game On on Smashwords 

 

And to celebrate the launch of Game On, Kyra will be doing a two week tour, with losts of fun posts, interviews and giveaways.

 

Here's the full schedule:

 

August 6th
Clare Dugmore Writes - Game On paperback giveaway + fashion talk with Game On's Bree and Freya
The Word Is ... - Game On Shoutout
Alex J. Cavanaugh - Guest post about the music that inspired Game On
Talli Roland - Mini review
Medeia Sharif - Game On Shoutout

August 7th
Leigh Covington - Interview
Use Your Words - Guest post about my younger days
Cherie Reich - Game On Shoutout

August 8th
Scattergun Scribblings - Interview

August 9th
Entertaining Interests - A look around Leah and Freya's Game On apartment
Morgan Shamy - Interview with Game On's Radleigh McCoy

August 10th
Wake Up, Eat, Write, Sleep - Guest post from Game On's Radleigh McCoy
Writing On The Wall - Game On Excerpt

August 11th
Musings of a Procrastinating Author - Guest post about Game On characters
Jaycee DeLorenzo -  Interview

August 12th
Bird's Nest - Guest post from Game On's Jesse Shaw
Catherine Noble - Game On Shoutout

August 13th
Get Busy Writing - Game On giveaway
Michael Pierce - Guest post about Game On series
Flutey Words - Game On Shoutout

August 14th
Cruising Altitude 2.0 - Five things I've learned about writing from blogging
Strands of Pattern - Why I chose to self publish
Live To Write ... Edit When Necessary - Interview
Scribble and Edit - Game On Shoutout


August 15th
Reading, Writing and Lovin' It - Game On Review
Jenny's Imaginary World - Game On Review + Interview

August 16th 
Christine Rains - Game On Excerpt
Chock Full of Words - Guest post ftom Game On's MC, Leah Walker

August 17th  
Mama J Hearts Chick Lit - Guest post from Game On's Freya Phillips
So, You're A Writer - Game On Excerpt
Tara Tyler Talks - Interview

August 18th
Bouquet of Books - Guest Post about the Game On soundtrack

August 19th
Write Here, Write Now - TBA 

 

Make sure you check it out, because it's going to be awesome!! I'll be back tonight with my regular Camp NaNo update. Everyone have a fantastic Friday!!
 

Buccaneer Blogfest: Week Four, Day Ten

I'm back again with day nine of the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young.

Final Countdown (July 30 – August 3) 

This week is the Final Countdown (is anyone else now humming the Europe song?). The end of the blogfest, where we talk about our experiences, host a give away and share our thoughts on Social Media.

July 30 - Social Media: Share your feelings and opinions about social media and it's relation to writing and reading.

  

I love social media, I think it's an excellent way for people of similar interests to connect. For a writer, it's an excellent way of building a support network, exchanging experiences and sharing advice.

I've made so many friends through blogging, and then connected with them on Facebook, Twitter and other sites like Goodreads. These platforms help you get a better understanding of what your online friends are like as people, while also informing you about their work and what they're currently up to.

Social media is also a great marketing tool, and I've seen so many authors doing blog tours, or hosting giveaway for when they get X amount of followers/ likes.

There's also the fun aspect of social media, with sites like Pinterest and Polyvore. I've seen so many inspiration things on both those sites. It's a great way to get motivated by looking at your friends pins and seeing what inspires them.

If you're interested, I can be found at these social media platforms: Facebook | Facebook Page | Twitter | Good Reads | Pinterest | Polyvore

The Backworlds Book 2 is Out!

Today I have the very special privilege of taking part in the Stopover at the Backworlds’ Edge launch, the second story in the Backworlds series by M. Pax. A vision of how humanity might colonize the galaxy some day in the distant future. 

The sequel to The Backworlds is now available. Craze and his friends continue their adventures in Stopover at the Backworlds’ Edge. See what role chocolate plays in the galaxy this time.

The interstellar portal opens, bringing in a ship that should no longer exist. A battleship spoiling for a fight, yet the war with Earth ended two generations ago. The vessel drops off a Water-breather, a type of Backworlder thought to be extinct. She claims one of Craze’s friends is a traitor who summoned the enemy to Pardeep Station. A betrayal worse than his father’s, if Craze lives to worry about it.

Available for all ereaders from:

Amazon / Amazon UK / B&N / Smashwords

iTunes and Kobo will be available shortly.

If you haven’t read The Backworlds yet, it’s available as a free read from many outlets. See HERE for links. [http://mpaxauthor.com/the-backworlds-series/backworlds-the/]

Inspiring the words M. Pax writes, Mary spends her summers as a star guide at Pine Mountain Observatory in stunning Central Oregon where she lives with the husband unit and two loving cats. She write science fiction mostly and has a slight obsession with Jane Austen. Mary blogs at http://www.mpaxauthor.com/blog/

Buccaneer Blogfest: Week Two, Day Four And Hookers & Hangers bloghop

 

I'm back again with day four of the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young.

First, I'd like to say thank you for all the comments on Friday's entry. The positive response to not only my interview of Pineapple Lightning's Brighton Luke (Pineapple) and Utsav Mukherjee (Lightning), but also Aldrea Alien's interview of me over at Thardrandian Thoughts was overwhelming. Thanks for the continued support.  

Week Two: Work in Progress -- July 16 – 20

This week the blogfest is all about your current work in progress, and I'm so excited to share some more information from my New Adult Contemporary Fantasy, Sibylline Nights with you all. The response I've gotten for Sibylline Nights so far has been really encouraging, and I hope you all continue to enjoy the little snippets I share with you. 

July 16: First paragraph of novel or WIP

I will be combining today's (and Wednesday's) post(s) with my entries for the Hookers and Hangers! Bloghop! being hosted by the wonderful ladies over at Falling For Fiction. 

Here's what the ladies from FFF have to say about the hop:

We all know how important the first and last lines are in every chapter. This blogfest will hopefully get your HOOKERS and HANGERS polished making it impossible for readers to put down your book and leaving them begging for more!

On July 16th, post the first sentence from each chapter.

On July 18th, post the last sentence from each chapter.

Post as many as you like!

We will be judging everyone’s first three HOOKERS and first three HANGERS. We’ll each pick two winners (MOST ENTICING HOOKER and MOST IMPOSSIBLE HANGER) making a total of ten winners! Winners will receive a 10 page (double spaced) critique and a Friday Spotlight on FFF!

Of course, my novel is a little different in that I have three protagonists, so I'm sharing the first line from the opening chapters for triplets Maggie, Nola and Esmee. 

First sentence from Maggie's opening chapter: "Look at that arse; that's one juicy arse!" (for a longer look at Maggie's opening chapter see here.)

First sentence from Nola's opening chapter: 'You look prettier with your clothes off,' Jerry had said, his palm sweaty as he had handed over a brown envelope containing notes. (for a longer look at Nola's opening chapter see here.) 

First sentence from Esmee's opening chapter: "She's out there again," Lauren called to Esmee. (for a longer look at Esmee's opening chapter see here.) 

You can find the full list of BuccaneerBlogfest participants here.

You can find the full list of Hookers and Hangers bloghop participants here.

Buccaneer Blogfest: Week One, Day Two

 

I'm back (again) with day two of  the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young. Thanks ladies, you're doing a fantastic job hosting.

First, I'd like to say thank you for all the comments on Monday's entry. It's really nice getting to know so many new people. I've read some great blogs over the last few days, connected with some interesting people, and I can't wait to get to know more of you as the fest progresses.

Additional thanks to everyone who commented on Tuesday's entry, either wishing me luck in the NA Pitch contest, or to comment on my flashfiction. The support is much appreciated.

Okay, on with today's post.

(July 11) Why you did you start blogging? What are your goals for your blog?

In November 2010 I took part in NaNoWriMo for the first time, and started this blog as a way of sharing my experiences while doing the challenge. In January this year, I decided to take my writing more seriously, with the hope of publication, and treat writing as a job. That's when I re-branded my blog (from Clare's Adventures in NaNoWriMo to Clare Dugmore Writes), and started taking part in fests, contests and the like.

My aim is to connect and make friends, with other writers in all stages of the writing/ publication process. I want to form a support network where I can come, to exchange advice, support and general experience of the writing process.In addition to that, I want to also make friend with the people I share experiences with. It amazes me how someone can live on the opposite side of the world from you, and you can still have so much in common, or how you can come from completely different walks of life, and still find something to connect with. I love making new friends, and some of my best friends I've made online. I hope to make more through this blog, and fest. 

NA Pitch Contest, July Follow My Lead Fiction Contest and Teaser Tuesday

You're all going to be sick of me by the end of the week, aren't you?

With the Buccaneer Blogfest happening, I wasn't going to blog today, but it seems I have too much to say! LOL

First, in case I haven't mentioned it enough, the New Adult Pitch Contest is happening RIGHT NOW! It's open until 23:59 on July 10th, 2012 OR if 100 pitches are received, whichever comes first. WINNERS of the pitch contest will be chosen by Heather Howland of Entangled Publishing and literary agent Sara Megibow. The prizes are an undetermined number of full (maybe partial) requests.

So, if you've got a NA novel and you haven't gotten your butt over to the contest do so NOW!

Talking of contests (you know I can't get enough of them), Candilynn Fite is hosting the Follow My Lead Fiction Contest. All you've got to do is write a 300 word flash fiction, using the image provided on Candilynn's site as a prompt. The prize on offer is Catherine Stine's Fireseed One.

Here's my entry:

You watch the fireworks, as I watch you. Everyone else is caught up in the excitement of a New Year dawning, but not you. Your long dark hair is untied as you quietly contemplate the future ahead of you. You're framed by the open window, as you perch on the sill, caught in the night breeze and unaware of those around you. For you, it doesn't matter if Natasha Phillips is kissing Ryan Brierly, or if Nathan Fellows is throwing up in the plant pot. All that matters to you is the dark night sky, illuminated by showers of green, red, and gold.

At the calls of "Happy New Year, " you turn your head as the light reflects in your bright blue eyes. You smile, an action that highlights your whole face, and repeat the greeting.

Your bare legs dangle inches above the floor, your glossy red toe nails just brushing the wooden boards. You're always barefoot, I don't think I've ever seen you with shoes on, even outside.

You accept a drink from Hayley, some florescent green concoction that's probably highly alcoholic. You purse your lips as you take a sip, your, usually undefined, Adam's apple bobbing as the cocktail makes it way down. Then you scrunch your face up, your nose wrinkling and your eyes closing, as I've seen them do when you eat a jalapeño.

You catch my eye, and smile again. "Happy New Year, Jason," you say brightly, noticing me for the first time all night, and never knowing how much you mean to me.

Hubby entered too, so go along and cheer him on. His entry is all kinds of awesome, and could be the start of a bigger story.

Finally, I've seen a few people taking part in Teaser Tuesdays, and wanted to join in, as I have a great series to share.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
  
  
  

I'm cheating a little, and rather than giving my current read, I wanted to give a teaser from the book I finished this weekend. Supernaturally the second book in the Paranormalcy trilogy by Kiersten White (the final book is released on 24^th July 2012).

The Paranormalcy trilogy are what paranormal romance novels should be like. Evie, the series' herione is sassy, funny, and endearing. The mythology is original and interesting. The plots are gripping. And the boys are hot!!

Here's a two sentence teaser:

"Oh, bleep. I was going to die. I was going to die a horrible, gruesome, painful death."

Okay, I'll be back tomorrow with day two of the Buccaneer Blogfest. Everyone have a lovely day. 

Buccaneer Blogfest: Week One, Day One

Today kicks off the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young.
Here's a quick reminder of the rules, for those of you who don't know.

1)Add your blog link to the linky below
2) Throughout the fest, visit the other blogs as much as you can and comment.
3) Post on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with the prompt of the day
4) Re-post the Linky & Buccaneer banner on your own blog to show your pirate pride and promote the blog fest
5) Finally…Have Fun!  

Week one is introduction week, and I'm starting off with the day one prompt, an Introduction: Tell us a little bit about you and your blog. Post the sign up linky for this blogfest in your post. Include your other social media links so we can follow.

  

Buccaneer Blogfest and Short Story Advice

Are you all going to shake your heads and think I'm setting myself up for another headache if I say I've signed up for another blogfest. (especially after I failed with the writing contest). I can't help it, I'm addicted to fests!

This one sounds excellent, actually, and a great way to meet new people.

Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young are hosting the Buccaneer Blogfest.

The blogfest will run from July 9th to August 3rd, with three prompts per week. If you have to miss posts, don't make that a reason not to sign up, a few missed posts are fine. If you're not a writer or don't have a current novel or WIP, alternate prompts will be available for week #2. This is an outline, more detailed instructions for the prompts for each day will be made available the weekend before each week.

Also, you are welcome to adjust the dates +/- a day or so if you have other commitments.

How do I participate?
1)Add your blog link to the linky below
2) Throughout the fest, visit the other blogs as much as you can and comment.
3) Post on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with the prompt of the day
4) Re-post the Linky & Buccaneer banner on your own blog to show your pirate pride and promote the blog fest
5) Finally…Have Fun!  

1. Intro Week (July 9 – 13)
a.(July 9) Introduction: Tell us a little bit about you and your blog. Post the sign up linky for this blogfest in your post. Include your other social media links so we can follow.
b. (July 11) Why you did you start blogging? What are your goals for your blog?
c. (July 13) Interview the person signed up below you on the linky and post that interview. *During this first week, you are strongly encouraged to go around and follow the other participants in the blogfest - both their blogs and other social media.  

2. Work in Progress (July 16 – 20)
a. (July 16) First paragraph of novel or WIP
b. (July 18) Character interview
c. (July 20) Share your light bulb moment with us. How did you come up with the idea for your WIP?  
 3. Reading (July 23 – 27)
a. (July 23) What are you reading? What books are on your shelf?
b. (July 25) Favorite authors and why?
c. (July 27) Recommend or review a book of choice. Tell the interwebz why you love it!

4. Final Countdown (July 30 – August 3)
a. (July 30) Social Media: Share your feelings and opinions about social media and it's relation to writing and reading.
b. (Aug 1) Host a giveaway using Rafflecopter or a similar tool. If you don't have anything you'd like to giveaway, we'd be happy to let you post the Rafflecopter form for a CQ sponsored giveaway.
c. (Aug 3) Reflection post: Share your experience from this blogfest. What are the next steps you want to take with your blog?

Sounds like a lot of fun, doesn't it? I've just signed up and think it will be an excellent way to meet new people and share a bit more about my writing. Wanna sign up too? Here's the linky: http://www.linkytools.com/basic_link_entry_form.aspx?id=151369

Short Story Writing Advice Wanted 

After my failure to writing an entry for the short story contest, I've been thinking a lot about short stories.  Writing short stories for contests and anthologies is something I really want to do, the problem is, I am rubbish at telling a short story. Any "one-shots" or smaller pieces I've written have all been about 10,000 words. I just can't help myself.

 I know how to structure a novel, and make sure I'm including enough plot development, character development, and world building. I don't know how to do that when I'm limited to a certain amount of words that are usually less than 10k.

So, those who you who regularly write short stories for contests and anthologies, do you have any tips for me? Do you know some good websites when I can research the semantics of writing a short story.

Any help, advice and comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 New Facebook Account 

On a final note before I head off, in addition to my Facebook Page, over the weekend I created a 'writing' Facebook account. Feel free to "friend" me over there on my new account.

Okay, I've probably taken up enough of your time now, so I will leave things here, and get started on some writing. I have characters in my head begging for attention! ^_^

Liebster Award, Contest Fail and Blog Tour

Aldrea Alien at Thardrandian Thoughts  presented me with the Liebster award. Thank you Aldrea. ^_^

The rules of this award are:

1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.
   
2. Link back to the blogger who presented the award to you.
   
3. Copy and paste the blog award on your blog.
   
4. Present the Liebster Blog Award to 5 blogs with 200 followers or less.
5. Let them know they have been chosen by leaving a comment at their blog. 

In return I'm passing this onto the following awesome blogs, who all have less than 200 followers, but should have many more, because they're great. 


Catherine Noble 
Residentgamer 
Jaybird 
Laura @ Stranger than writing
VikLit 

On Monday I mentioned I was going to take part in the Fantasy-Faction anthology Writing Contest. Well I tried, and failed. 

We've had a really busy week, with lots of stuff going on with my Hubby's business, and I really do suck at writing short stories. Also, Skyrim DLC Dawnguard. 

I attempted writing an entry for the contest three times, and nothing was really sticking. I did get somewhere, with a fairly decent idea, but I wasn't one-hundred percent happy with it, and didn't think I'd have time to finish it off (in less than 8,000 words. Did I mention I struggle with short stories?) and get it edited by the deadline.  I think perhaps I was overly ambitious, and bit off more than I can chew thinking I could get a contest ready short story done in five days. I will keep my eyes open for other contests in the future, and give it another crack. 

In case you haven't heard, one of my closest friends Kyra Lennon is launching her debut novel, a contemporary romance titled Game On, on August 6th.  To celebrate the launch, Kyra is holding a blog tour, with many fantastic prizes on offer. I'm honoured to be the first stop on her tour, and I will be hosting a giveaway offering a paperback copy of Game On, as well as sharing something a little fun related to the book.  I hope you all keep an eye on Kyra's blog as the launch date and tour approaches, and check back here for the start of the tour. It's going to be epic!!

 
 

Facebook Problems

Are other writers experiencing problems posting Blogger/ Blogspot links to their Facebook timeline/ profile/ page?

This morning, I became aware that my links and a number of other writers' links were producing the following error message when you try to post the links to Facebook:

Upon further inspection, I've found it's only blogspot.co.uk links Facebook is blocking, and Blogger.com links seem unaffected.

The work around I've found to enable you to share blogspot.co.uk links on your Facebook timeline is to do so via share button, like the one I have on the top of my posts.

Is anyone else experiencing similar problems?

I've contacted Facebook support and let them know blogspot.co.uk shouldn't be blocked, and isn't spam. Hopefully, if enough people complain, they'll sort it out. 

Thanks, Fests, and Camps

I want to start off this post by thanking all the awesome people who have helped me reach one-hundred followers. When I started this blog it was to write about my experiences doing NaNoWriMo, and now it's grown into a place where I can share my writing journey with everyone. I've had some excellent experiences - the A-Z challenge was both insane and awesome - made some great friends, and learned so many new things.

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you everyone who has followed me and is joining me on my writing journey. I hope I'm blogging about my experiences for many years to come, and making more friends as I go along. You guys are all awesome, and I couldn't have gotten this far without your support!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

One of my favourite things about blogging is the fests and hops, and I've signed up for another one in June. Jaycee Delorenzo and Victoria Smith are hosing a follow-up to their 'Oh! My Hero!' bloghop, and I couldn't be more excited.

Here's what Jaycee and Victoria have to say about the hop:

Interview a heroine of your manuscript, novel, or WIP by a fellow female counterpart also from one of your written works.  Your featured heroine can be interviewed by her best friend, a heroine from another one of your written works, a sister, the opportunities are endless!
 

• Have your heroine answer at least 3 of the questions recommended below or make up your own!
• Post a picture of your heroine, the interviewer, or both!
• Post a song for the theme of the interview or a song that reflects your featured heroine's personality.
• Follow Victoria and Jaycee on their blogs.
• Post their hop button! (Though not required, feel free to repost on your blog about the hop!)
• Post your entries on June 22, 2012 and hop around the other blogs through the linky!

For this hop, the interview will have more of a "girls chatting" type feel because after all, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!  So feel free to write it like a short scene in a book!

Here are the recommended questions for it:

1. How would you describe your hero?
2. What's your biggest date horror story?
3. What turns you off from a guy the most?
4. What's the best date you ever had?
5. Kiss on the first date?
6. What gets a guy a second date?
7. Boxers or briefs on your guy?
8. What is one thing you believe can tell a lot about a person?
9. What attracts you to a guy the most?

Prizes:

Victoria and Jaycee will each choose a heroine who's creativity and overall personality snagged our attention. 

Jaycee is offering a custom blog header or an ebook download of up to $10 from Amazon.

Victoria is offering up an ebook download or up to $15 Book from Book Depository

I will be interviewing the heroine of Perfect Ten, Nick Braxton's counterpart, Rainie Dalton. 

 

I've decided to take the plunge, and do CampNaNo this year. Because I'm Clare Dugmore, and I'm a NaNo addict!

No doubt between CampNaNo, editing Sibylline Nights, and all the other projects I've got going on, I'll be pulling my hair out by the end of the summer. But where's the fun in sanity, right?!

For those interested, my CampNaNo profile can be found here. I'll be adding novel infomation soon, but for that, I need your help!

I have two stories in mind for CampNaNo, and I can't decide which to write, so I'm hoping you guys will be able to help me pick. Whichever I don't do in August will be my November NaNo novel, so don't worry, both will get written eventually.

Here's a quick synopsis of them:

Untitled YA Fantasy

It's six o'clock and when the claxon sounds that can only mean one thing … RUN! Return to your homes before the Harvesters get you.

Forty tons of mobile metal machinery that if they catch you will turn you into robots like themselves, or so the rumours say.

Hen is trapped on the outskirts of town when she hears the claxon. She has two options; risk running into a Harvester on her way home or enter the abandoned mine.

But what will she find in there?

Legend has it the mines house the souls of the dead who were made into machines. Even if she ignores those silly stories, there's still the disused mining mechanisms to face. They look scary enough in the day light, let alone in the dwindling twilight.

But what choice does Hen have? She's already made a bargain with the infamous thief Karleon that she'll go down into the mine and collect ore in exchange for food. She can't let her little brother starve. Besides, the Harvesters will surely catch her if she returns to the slums now.

So, into the mines Hen goes, following the map Karleon gave her, and sneaking past the long forgotten mining robots that look as though the could reanimate at any second.

Hen reaches the spot marked on Karleon's map, but finds the ore supply already depleted. So she goes deeper into the mine, hoping to find something she can sell or trade. It's her only chance of survival, and the best way to pass the time until morning when the Harvesters will have returned to their home in the Shining City.

What Hen finds in the depths of the mine is the stuff of legend … and with the legend comes a whole new world of power Hen has only ever heard about from the history books.


Untitled Paranormal Drama

Lucy Pillman clearly remembers the night she died; it was the night she lost her unborn child too. Now with new supernatural gifts she's bent on nothing but revenge. Henry thought making a new progeny would combat the crippling loneliness he's faced for the past hundred years. But now he has to keep Lucy under control as she reels from one disaster to the next. Will Henry be able to make Lucy see sense and begin to accept her new life, or will he once again lose the only thing he's ever wanted; companionship?

What should I write for CampNaNo?

Announcing the 2nd Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest

Cherie Reich is holding her 2nd Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest, and I couldn't resist signing up for it.

Here is what Cherie has to say about the bloghop:

Here are the rules:

1. Entries must begin with the two words: Lightning flashed.

2. Entries must be 300 words or less and be in prose. I'm not versed enough in poetry verse to judge it properly.

3. Entries must be posted on your blog between May 21 - 23.

4. You must sign up in the linky below to have your entry be counted.

On May 25, I will announce the six finalists and open voting through May 28th.

On May 29th, my third year blogversary, I will announce the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners as well as a random winner selected from the participants list. All ties will be broken by Random.org.

Now what are the prizes?

First place - $25 gift card from Amazon

Second place - $20 gift card from Amazon

Third place - $15 gift card from Amazon

Random prize - $10 gift card from Amazon

If the winner prefers an alternate gift of equal value, I'm good with that. Contest in open internationally.

 

**

 

I, being the over achiever I am, had my piece written on Friday as soon as I signed up for the blog hop! I cannot wait to share it with everyone, and I cannot wait to read what you've all come up with too.

 

Tomorrow will be an exciting day, I'm sure!! 

Nine facts and One fake - the answers!

Thanks to everyone who commented on my Kreativ Blogger Award entry on Tuesday.

Before I reveal which fact was a fake, I wanted to do a little bit of promotion for those of you who might not be aware.

Today, the lovely ladies over at Falling For Fiction are doing a Critique Partner Mixer, where people can comment on the entry with what they're looking for in a CP/ beta reader for their current project, and hopefully be matched up with someone similar who meets there needs. I think this is a wonderful idea, as many of us aspiring authors are all in the same position, and if you're new to blogging or a little shy, it's hard to know where to find CPs. I'll be heading over, and I hope to see some of you there too. 

Okay, I won't leave you handing any longer as to which was the fake.

The Backworlds is Here!

Today I have the very special privilege of taking part in The Backworlds launch,  the first story in the Backworlds series by M. Pax. A vision of how humanity might colonize the galaxy some day in the distant future.

      

The Backworlds

After the war with Earth, bioengineered humans scatter across the Backworlds. Competition is fierce and pickings are scant. Scant enough that Craze’s father decides to hoard his fortune by destroying his son. Cut off from family and friends, with little money, and even less knowledge of the worlds beyond his own, Craze heads into an uncertain future. Boarding the transport to Elstwhere, he vows to make his father regret this day.

Available from: Amazon / AmazonUK / Smashwords / Feedbooks

Other links to more outlets can be found at either Wistful Nebulae or MPax

The Backworlds is an ebook and a free read. All formats can be found at Smashwords and Feedbooks.

It’ll take a few weeks to work its way down to free on Amazon Kindle. It will also be available on B&N and iTunes. Sign up for M. Pax’s mailing list to be notified the day it does go free on Amazon, and when the book becomes available at other outlets. You’ll also receive coupons for discounts on future publications. NEWSLETTER

M. Pax’s inspiration comes from the wilds of Oregon, especially the high desert where she shares her home with two cats and a husband unit. Creative sparks also come from Pine Mountain Observatory where she spend her summers working as a star guide. She writes mostly science fiction and fantasy, but confesses to an obsession with Jane Austen. 

She blogs at her website, www.mpaxauthor.com and at Wistful Nebuae. You’ll find links there to connect on Twitter, Goodread, FB and other sites.

The sequel, Stopover at the Backworlds’ Edge, will be released in July 2012. It will be available in all ebook formats and paperback.

Promotion: Video Games Interactive

 Video Games Interactive.com

All writers know how hard it is making it in the industry, and know the importance of helping out other up-and-comers. If any of us want to get anywhere with our writing, promotion and getting more followers is part of the process.

That's what I'm here to do today.

My husband runs his own website reporting video games news, reviewing video games and writing editorials about the gaming industry. He's done everything off his own back, and has gotten contacts with some big name video game publishers, as well as advertisers.

However, the site and community still needs to grow. He needs more traffic so that he can get bigger advertising revenues, so that we can pay the bills! LOL

All I ask is that you check out the site. I understand life is busy, and you've probably got enough sites to follow etc. But my hope is if enough people check out VGI then someone will find something they like on there, and it will become a site they follow regularly.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and for checking out Video Games Interactive.